In this new series, we discuss some hypothetical trades that the Wild could make to change the culture and how the Wild could benefit.
In the first edition of Blockbuster Trades, we discuss an almost fantasy style trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Now, we do understand that the likely hood of these deals getting done is slim to none, but it is fun to be hypothetical so let’s begin!
The Trade
Some might think that this is a gross overpayment (likely Wild fans), while others will believe that this isn’t even close to what the Maple Leafs would ask for (likely Leafs fans) but in this hypothetical trade, this is the price paid for Marner.
The shakedown of the trade is that the Leafs will probably want Matt Dumba, making him the main piece going back to the Leafs, a right-handed defenseman that can bomb shots from the point and signed fairly long term compared to his defense partner Jonas Brodin.
We throw in the 9th overall pick just due in part to the fact that the Leafs will want to maximize their return on Marner and for the caliber player that Marner is it’ll warrant a pick to be exchanged.
We’ve thrown in winger Jordan Greenway into the deal because the Leafs will want to recoup a winger in the deal. Greenway just hasn’t found his groove in Minnesota thus, so maybe a change of scenery would be enough to get him going.
Last but not least we have Vladislav Firstov in this deal just as a throw-in prospect that the Leafs can sit on and see how he develops.
Now on the flip side, how does this deal affect Minnesota?
Marner is a top-line winger, he’s not your elite goal scorer but he can defiantly put the puck in the net as he’s posted double-digit since his first season in the league. Here’s what the potential lineup could look like for the Wild:
Marner-Staal-Kaprizov
Parise-Eriksson Ek-Fiala
Zuccarello-Donato-Kunin
Foligno-Sturm-Hartman
This lineup would be subject to change since we don’t know how Kaprizov is going to adjust and the Wild’s everlasting mystery of who the 1C is going to be at the start of next season.
All in all the Wild acquiring Marner would be great for the organization as he presented on the team would kick the culture change into high gear and who wouldn’t want to see what Marner could do on the ice with Kaprizov?
Now, how realistic is the trade? Pretty far-reaching. General Manager Kyle Dubas threw some cold water on the idea that they would trade Mitch Marner at the End of Season Media Availability and General Manager Bill Guerin certainly knows the Minnesota Wild needs: Centers.
Also, there were rumors that Former General Manager Paul Fenton attempted to offer sheet Marner during the offseason last year, but never got pen to paper. Something to keep in mind.
Are there any blockbuster trades you think could realistically happen? Leave a comment or message us on Twitter and Facebook.